Dig Out your Hydrant

LFD Urges Residents to Dig Out Fire Hydrants and To Keep Outdoor Vents Free and Clear of Snow

Residents are asked to help keep the city safe by clearing out snow around hydrants on or near their property. With heavy snowfall is that of blocked vents for furnaces, gas fireplaces, hot water heaters and other fuel burning appliances. This can cause a build-up of carbon monoxide gas inside the home.
(News Release – Hydrants Vents – Nov. 2013)

London Fire Department Urges Residents to Dig Out Buried Hydrants

With the recent blowing and drifting snow in the city, many fire hydrants have disappeared from view. Because every second counts in a fire emergency, a hydrant that is not visible and needs to be found, then dug out by responding crews, could have serious consequences. Residents are asked to help keep the city safe by clearing out snow around hydrants on or near their property. If they are aware of a buried hydrant but are unable to have it cleared they can call the fire department non – emergency line at 519 661 – 4565 to report it.

Another issue that arises with heavy snowfall is that of blocked vents for furnaces, gas fireplaces, hot water heaters and other fuel burning appliances. “This can cause a build – up of carbon monoxide gas inside the home,” says London Fire Department Public Educator Rick Jefferson. “It’s an invisible, tasteless, odorless gas that can be lethal. We hope that people will take great care and keep their vents clear to avoid being poisoned.”

The London Fire Department is encouraged to know that the provincial government is acting to make carbon monoxide alarms mandatory in Ontario. For those who already have them, please be aware that they do wear out in 5 to 7 years and should be replaced. For those investing in a new alarm, follow the included instructions to get maximum benefit from the device. If you have just one alarm, the most important place to install it is close to your sleeping are as. That way it will be most likely to wake you up. If your alarm sounds, get everyone out to fresh air and call the fire department using 911.